Tantalising New Menu at 22 Ships

The Hong Kong dining scene is a rapid revolving door, with new joints opening and closing faster than you can say “cheque, please!”. While this provides plenty of opportunity to frequent a new restaurant every other week, it’s also comforting to know that some HK staples are alive, well and at their very best. Enter 22 Ships: the creation of Gordon Ramsay protégé Jason Atherton, that has been a Hongkers hit for over four years and still has people queuing on the daily to bag a seat at the hottest table in The Wanch. Top tip: those in the know - and who call this spot their regular - simply call it “Ships”, donchaknow!

We arrived to treat our taste buds to some of the new additions to the menu, and the 35-seat venue was packed and buzzing with the vivacious chit-chat of hungry diners. The atmosphere at Ships is electric, with the clanging of small plates of perfectly proportioned tapas and chilled glasses of crisp wine adding to the hectic soundtrack of the venue. If you’re in the mood for an aloof, reserved dinner date then Ships is not The One. However, if it’s energy and entertainment you’re after, thrown in with some seriously divine dishes, then step right up to a high stool at this animated - and at times boisterous - bistro!

The team at Ships prepare each dish freshly in the open kitchen; sprinkling ferocious passion on every aspect of their menu. Head Chef, Aaron Gillespie, was a breath of fresh air as he detailed each offering with optimum pride and enthusiasm. His infectious nature worked a treat and we were bursting with excitement to delve into some stellar staples and new choices.

We began with one of the evening’s specials - on Aaron’s recommendation - which was a glorious pairing of imported Italian burrata and shaved Australia truffle followed by the Jamon, Manchego and Truffle toastie with quail’s eggs – an extravagant, indulgent and flavourful twist on an old classic. Moving on to the guilt-free but gratifying Bluefin Tuna with Sago Crackers was the perfect transition and gluten free to boot – bonus!

For the side accompaniments, we decided on a helping of the cauliflower, mushroom and walnut pesto medley which, you have to taste to believe: I’m still wondering how this weird and wonderful concoction captured my heart so well! And just to be fair to the veggies, we also tried the peas, broad beans, goat’s cheese and red vein sorrel which I would highly recommend for its freshness and depth of flavor. Don’t say I’m not good to you guys!

Of course, no trip to Ships would be complete without sampling the suckling pig, drizzled in a reduction of pineapple and piquillo peppers. This trusty treat did not disappoint and is still as consistently good as it was when Ships first launched, years ago. Likewise, the seafood paella – served with fava beans and crispy bacon – is not to be missed, with its creamy consistency and smoky undertones.

By this point, we were feeling pretty full and happy but I’m so glad that we managed to fit in some of the playful desserts on the menu. Finishing off with the Green Tea Cheesecake provided the perfect mix of sharp and sweet; combining just the right amounts of cooling yoghurt and zesty lime. The Strawberry Chantilly was intricately plated and tantalisingly tangy.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Ships to unwind with the casual and social way of eating. It’s easy to hop on the latest bandwagon but, it’s worth bearing in mind that this place is an oldie, but a goodie.

Original article appeared on Sassy Hong Kong

http://www.sassyhongkong.com/eat-drink-22-ships-new-menu/

Images courtesy of 22 Ships and Taking Hong Kong

A Different View: Hong Kong by Sea

Just when I think I have exhausted everything that Hong Kong has to offer, another alluring aspect of this captivating city is revealed to me. It really grates on me when people say that Hongkers is just another concrete jungle because, there is so much more to it than Soho and shopping malls. Whether you’re seeking out some space on the outlying islands, longing for luscious greenery, or craving the serenity of open water, it’s so easy to step out of the rat race and explore the tranquillity that is right on our doorstep.

Hello Hong Kong presents the perfect opportunity to make this happen with their latest bespoke boat tour - which offers passengers the chance to sail on a pristine 55 foot motor yacht from Victoria Harbour to Stanley. The difference between this experience and any other junk boat trip, is the opportunity to learn all about the history and evolution of Hong Kong along the way. The Hong Kong by Sea Tour kicked off at 9am from a pick-up point in Causeway Bay, where I boarded the May Oui, kicked off my shoes and nestled in top deck - all in the name of research. It’s a tough job, I know!

The tour was led by the lovely, engaging and hilarious Laura Blackhall, who has lived here for five years and has diligently done her homework on all things Hong Kong: from real estate to the Opium Wars to pirates! Laura was a superb leader and welcomed each one of her passengers with ease and encouraged participation and interaction between all of us. From the moment I stepped on board, I felt very well attended to and excited to embark upon a contemporary and luxurious history lesson.  A special shout out must also go to Captain Donald, who regaled us with thrilling tales of his years at sea which was absolutely fascinating - this legend has certainly got a book or two in him!

We started with a casual cruise to soak in the colours and chaos of the sensational skyline; even after three years, I never tire of marvelling at the sheer scale and magnitude of it. We then moved down to the Container Port – the super hub that is ranked as the world’s fifth busiest port. As we drifted among the enormous cargo ships, it felt like we had been granted a backstage pass with special access to observe the trading activity that has contributed considerably to the economic development of Hong Kong. Laura provided us with just enough information; putting everything into context in a coherent and relatable way, so it never felt like information overload.

Moving along to Aberdeen Harbour, we observed the floating restaurants and the floating village where the Tanka people (or Boat People) live in traditional junk boats. It was during this section of the tour that we heard more about how the opium trade led to Britain’s colonisation of Hong Kong and the colourful backdrop was a prime location for some spectacular selfies!

We then journeyed south to Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay for a glance at some of the world’s most eye-wateringly expensive real estate and listened intently to some juicy local celebrity gossip. Laura did provide us with some top tips on potentially negotiating a reduced rent (so long as you’re willing to stay in a seriously spooky residence!) and the predominant influence of Feng Shui on local architectural design.

Our four hour voyage ended in the sublime setting of Stanley and anecdotes about the pirates who ruled the waters there. Laura also happily helped the tourists with information on what to see and do in Stanley, before personally seeing each one of us on to land safely. 

I immensely enjoyed the Hong Kong by Sea Tour and came away with a lot more knowledge about the history and commerce of Hong Kong. However, I do feel that the cost of $975, per person, is too high. There is no denying that the vessel and the tour guides are of supreme quality but, I think in order to justify such a high price point, Hello Hong Kong should consider providing passengers with some substantial food and beverage options. At the moment, they offer very basic snacks and soft and alcoholic beverages. Given that the tour runs from 9am to 1pm, I think the addition of a variety of breakfast pastries, teas and coffees would be warmly welcomed. With that in mind, if you are willing to splash the cash, or treat some of your visiting friends and family, this is certainly a refreshing and novel and way to spend a morning in the 852.

Original post appeared on Sassy Hong Kong

http://www.sassyhongkong.com/whatsonhk-hello-hong-kong-junk-trip/

All images courtesy of Hello Hong Kong